Blog Archives

My First One Word: Focus

by Karen Jordan | Jan 4, 2013 | Blog, Stories

I first read about choosing one word to focus on each year in 2011 on Lindsey Nobles’ blog. I wondered, If I could focus on just one word to describe my resolution for this New Year, what would it be?

BLESSED? This word has been on my mind for sometime now. It keeps coming back to me every time I write a blog post, since that one word represents the theme of my blog, BLESSED: BLESSED: Building Legacies. Encouraging Spiritual Stories. Equipping Disciples.

This one word helps me think about my blessings when negative thoughts attack my mind. But another word also came to mind.

REST? I can’t seem to get away from this one word either. I have to admit, I’ve been quite “rest–less” the past few years. I’ve been on my own “wilderness journey,” seeking that “promised land of rest.” I’ve learned a lot, but I’m still seeking to know more and experience true “rest.” And since I’m also trying to write more on “rest,” I do need to focus on that word, too!

FOCUS! I think of this word all the time! I tend to be distracted a lot. Since I work from home as a freelance writer, my mind always strays outside of my office door to the dirty laundry or messy kitchen. At times, I even find myself cleaning the bathroom instead of working on my writing projects. Or the phone rings. Or an e-mail alert diverts my attention. Or I glance over to Facebook, Twitter, or my Google Reader. Or I get lost in my thoughts as gaze out my office window. So, I chose “FOCUS” as my first One Word in 2011!

Future. I hope you will also stop again soon, I plan share my One Word for 2012 and for the New Year 2013.

What is your One Word this year?

Photo/MilesRoss

A Writer’s Wish List

by Karen Jordan | Dec 13, 2012 | Blog, Faith, Family, Stories

Going on a guilt trip this Christmas?

Sometimes I feel like I can’t breathe because of self-induced pressure or the weight of others’ expectations. In fact, I get tired even thinking about doing any work that involves writing during the holidays. So, how can I focus on my writing projects with all of the distractions of the holidays? (more…)

Family Stories: Old Wives’ Tales and Sayings

by Karen Jordan | Oct 26, 2012 | Blog, Faith, Family, Stories

We tend to forget that we might have our own stories to tell … We wish that we had preserved the stories of Grandma, but miss the fact that, for our own children and grandchildren (and even for our own generation), we are the ones who must be the storytellers if there is to be a richness of family (or faith) stories in years to come. (Donald Davis, Telling Your Own Stories)

Can you recall some of the stories from your last family gathering? In my family, some of my relatives (again, not to mention any names), repeat the same stories time-after-time at reunions and funerals. I love our humorous family tales. Other stories inspire me to carry on some of our family traditions. But sometimes, our family narratives remind me of some very painful memories. (more…)

Angry? Consider Forgiveness

by Karen Jordan | Oct 19, 2012 | Blog, Faith

“God said, ‘What do you have to be angry about?’” (Jonah 4:3-6 MSG)

How does God respond to anger?

Jonah’s anger. In the story of Jonah, Jonah was so angry that he spouted off some pretty foul words to God, “So, God, if you won’t kill them, kill me! I’m better off dead!” Even though Jonah had just experience God’s deliverance from death, he was begging to die.

God responded to Jonah with a question: “What do you have to be angry about?”

Once again, God offered Jonah another chance to do the right thing.

Maybe you can’t relate to Jonah’s words and emotions, but I can. And I think I might be in good company.

Elijah’s fear. I remember another servant of God who sat under a broom tree and prayed to die, because he was so frustrated. As Elijah ran for his own life, he cried out to God. “Enough of this, God! Take my life—I’m ready to join my ancestors in the grave!” (1 Kings 19:4 MSG)

I never really understood why Elijah asked God to kill him. If he really wanted to die, he could just stop running and let his enemies do the job for him. But like Jonah and Elijah, we often don’t make much sense when our emotions are out of control.

But I do understand Elijah’s fear. If I’d heard someone wanted to kill me, I’d be afraid, too.

Yet, inside Elijah’s hiding place, the Lord asked him, “So Elijah, what are you doing here?” (1 Kings 19:9)

So, Elijah poured out all his frustrations to the Lord. And God answered Elijah with new direction—another chance.

God’s forgiveness. I can relate to Jonah—I’ve been angry at God for asking me to offer forgiveness to someone, especially if I’d witnessed the effects of that person’s ungodly deeds.

In fact, I have gone into hiding many times in my frustration. And I’ve made some pretty ridiculous statements in my anger. But nothing makes a lot of sense when my emotions get out of control.

Yet, like Jonah and Elijah, when I look into the mirror of God’s Word, the truth penetrates my anxious soul with heart-rending questions. “So (Karen), what are you doing here? What do you have to be angry about?”

In that intimate place of conviction and confession—admitting my own anger, fear, and unforgiveness—I discover God’s love, guidance, and forgiveness.

Photo/KarenJordan

So (your name), what are you doing here? What do you have to be angry about?

Conflict Resolution with Children: The Treasure Box

by Karen Jordan | Oct 17, 2012 | Blog, Family, Stories

“Siblings are the people we practice on, the people who teach us about fairness and cooperation and kindness and caring, quite often the hard way” (Pamela Dugdale).

“Mom, Ethan has my new marble shooter, and he won’t give it back!” Six-year-old Aidan whined.

“Aidan, were you playing with it first?” his mom replied.

“No, but I want to play with it!” Aidan demanded.

House rules. “Aidan, in our house we share our toys, and we do not take toys away from each other.” My daughter Tara does not overreact when her boys squabble. She simply reminds them of the rules about sharing their toys.

“But it’s mine! Tell Ethan to play with his own toys!”

“When Ethan is finished playing with it, you can have it back.” Aidan’s mom explained, trying to calm Aidan’s temper. “You have a treasure box for keeping things that are special to you.”

Sibling rivalry. Four-year-old Ethan smiled, as he shot another marble across the floor, under the watchful eye of his frustrated, older brother. And when Ethan’s interest waned, he walked away to another activity, leaving Aidan’s toy on the floor of their family room.

Treasures stored. Aidan jumped up from his puzzle, and he grabbed his toy, carefully examining it for damage. Then, he dragged a step stool up to a nearby bookcase, climbed up the steps, and placed his new marble shooter inside of his treasure box, away from his brother’s reach.

Photos/KarenJordan

How did you help your children handle conflicts?

Facing Fear

by Karen Jordan | Oct 12, 2012 | Blog, Faith

Sometimes fear enters your mind when you least expect it–even when you think your faith is strong.

Devious. It slips into the cracks of your subconscious mind like a snake, twisting and turning its contorted body around the truth. It grips your emotions, and it paralyzes your belief system. But how does this viper sneak into your heart and mind?

Deadly. For me, it only takes a careless word or thought–just a moment of anger, bitterness, or unbelief–for it’s poisonous fangs to sink into my mind. Or I look at the circumstances surrounding my life, and I lose hope for just a second. But just long enough for me to lose my focus on the truth of God’s Word.

Deceptive. Then, the lies and deception begin. My imagination takes me to places that I never imagined possible. My thoughts focus on problems, paranoia, or panic, instead of my blessings. And the insanity begins.

So, how do we overcome fear?

Focus on our blessings in Christ. Revelation 12:11 explains that Christ provides the power for us to defeat the accuser. “And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die.”

Focus on God’s promises. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7 NKJV)